NFL Fantasy Football Week 9 Start 'Em, Sit 'Em: WR Edition

With Week 9 looming, Cincy Jungle takes an early look at the wide receivers you should start, and which ones you should sit to get the most points out of your roster.

START:

Antonio Brown

Brown was the largest benefactor of Big Ben's 522 yard performance in Week 8, grabbing 133 yards on ten receptions, including two touchdowns. Brown's speed and ability to catch contested passes continue to make him a game-changer both as an over-the-top threat, and a force after the catch.

Against the Ravens' pass defense, Roethlisberger and Brown should easily be able to mimic the Bengals' depleted-receiver core's success through the air, and then some. Considering his knack for at least one big play per game, look for him to finish around the 100 yard mark again, and for at least one touchdown grab.

Brandin Cooks

The Saints rookie has continued to emerge as a weapon in the already-vaunted New Orleans offense. He added 94 yards and a touchdown to his resume against the Packers last week, but I would be hesitant to start him in a game @ Carolina this week.

Carolina's defense is nothing to mess with, as we watched them hold the champion Seahawks to just 13 points, despite the loss. By now, we also know the Saints' struggles away from home.Still. the Panthers have allowed too many big games to receivers this year to not play Cooks this week.

Mohamed Sanu

Sanu will move up if A.J. Green is out again this week. If Green plays, Sanu still has plenty of value given the matchup against a Jacksonville defense allowing 267 passing yards per game. In the last two games in which Green was active, Sanu had at least 11.1 points (though part of that was due to a passing TD).

Even if Green plays, he likely won't be used as much more than a decoy as he works his way back into game shape. Sanu should remain Andy Dalton's no. 1 target this week.

Steve Smith Sr.

The Ravens will be looking to rebound this week when they face a banged-up Steelers defense. Smith has always loved a good rivalry game, so expect plenty of passion in this one. He caught six of 10 passes for 71 yards against the Steelers in Week 2, and even though he's slowed down a bit the past two weeks, Smith did have nine targets last week. Pittsburgh's pass defense is ranked just 19th, so expect Smith to have a nice outing.

SIT:

A.J. Green

The Bengals have missed Green in their line-up the last few weeks, and it will certainly be nice to get him back on the field. However, fantasy football players shouldn't be so quick to start the fourth-year player. He'll be playing with a special Nike shoe that will protect his toe, but don't discount the fact that Green has missed action the last two weeks and will still be dealing with some discomfort.

Sanu has helped to fill the hole in a big way, and I'd much rather have a healthy Sanu than a 75% Green on my roster. My advice? Wait a week before sticking the Bengals star back on your roster.

Julian Edelman

Edelman's targets (4) dropped last week, and so too has his production in recent weeks as Tim Wright and rob Gronkowski was becoming the 2-TE terror Tom Brady thrives when he has. The Pats will likely to try to control the ball and keep Denver's high-flying offense off the field as much as possible, so Edelman may not be involved much.

Vincent Jackson

The star has entered serious trade talks, with at least four potential suitors. With that in mind, Week 8's performance looked as if the Buccaneers were already planning for life without him; he had just one catch for 13 yards and a first down. That, and he also played with a rib injury.

Whatever the reasoning, don't look to start him against Cleveland, who's defense has played very well, overall. Either way, Jackson is only averaging 53. 1 yards a game, with only two touchdowns on the season. Not exactly overly promising.

And I should know - he's on my roster. (Perhaps not for long.)